National’s U-turn over Serco shows privatisation failure

The cancelling of Serco’s contract to run Mt Eden is proof the Government’s plan to privatise prisons is an abysmal failure, Labour’s Corrections spokesperson Kelvin Davis says.

“This would not have come about if it hadn’t been for months of pressure by Labour, shining the spotlight on fight clubs, near riots, bashings, drug use and the appalling treatment of inmates.

“Labour has been warning National for years about Serco’s shocking track record. This includes understaffing, escapes and human rights violations at prisons in the United Kingdom and detention centres in Australia.

“The Government must now reconsider Serco’s management of Wiri Prison.

“Of most concern is the fact National is still considering Serco for other government contracts – including social services for vulnerable Kiwis. These plans must be immediately abandoned.

“It’s time for the Government to say ‘see you later’ to the circus which is Serco. They are no longer welcome in New Zealand,” Kelvin Davis says.